Plumber in District of Columbia: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Skilled trades

District of Columbia employs 1,010 plumbers, with a statewide median of $101,020 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact District of Columbia licensing picture, and where to train.

What Plumbers Earn in District of Columbia (May 2025)

District of Columbia median pay: $101,020 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $52,310
Experienced (75th percentile): $114,400
Top earners (90th percentile): $117,180
Employed in District of Columbia: 1,010
U.S. median (for comparison): $62,970 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for plumbers in major District of Columbia markets:

Washington: $71,860 (9,420 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in District of Columbia

Prices in District of Columbia run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 109.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $101,020 median is worth closer to $91,920 once higher local prices are factored in.

Job Outlook in District of Columbia (2024–2034)

District of Columbia is projected to grow plumbers employment +4.6%, about in line with the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 60 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

District of Columbia License and Certification Requirements

Journeyman Plumber license — regulated by the DC Dept. of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades.

Work as an apprentice and build supervised experience.
Pass the journeyman plumber exam.
Apply to the DLCP Board of Industrial Trades; add a master plumber license to contract independently.

Official requirements: DC Dept. of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades →

Training in District of Columbia

UA Locals and PHCC contractors offer earn-while-you-learn apprenticeships. DC licenses plumbers (journeyman and master) through DLCP.

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: People who want durable demand and do not mind dirty, physical work.

Think twice if: You need clean environments, predictable hours, or low physical strain.

Why it's resilient: Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

First Steps

Search state plumbing apprenticeship requirements and local union/non-union programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do plumbers make in District of Columbia?

The median wage for plumbers in District of Columbia is $101,020 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $52,310, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $117,180. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become a Plumber in District of Columbia?

Journeyman Plumber license, overseen by the DC Dept. of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades. Work as an apprentice and build supervised experience.

Is being a Plumber a good career in District of Columbia?

Plumbing is local, licensed, physical, urgent, and full of unpredictable building-specific constraints.

Which District of Columbia metros pay plumbers the most?

Among District of Columbia metro areas, Washington leads at $71,860. Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Is Plumber a growing career in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia projects plumbers employment to change +4.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), District of Columbia statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the DC Dept. of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP) — Board of Industrial Trades (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET District of Columbia wages · District of Columbia licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.